■ Photoshop Compositing 285
Figure 8.36 The original base layer duplicated and reduced in opacity to help
mute the color
Figure 8.37 Adding the specular layer
- Next we will add the cavity layer. Open the
cavity.psd file and paste it into the active docu-
ment. Set the blending mode to Multiply and
Opacity to 37%. It is also a good idea to add a
touch of Gaussian Blur to this layer. Keep the
radius near 0.5. At this point the composite
character looks like Figure 8.38. The effect can
be subtle, but it will help to bring out the fine
sculpted details in the surface.
Before we move on let’s add one more
layer. This time the matte image will be placed
at the top of the layers above the occ layer. This
layer will never be visible it is simply there to
help us isolate selections on the head. We will
use this layer to isolate the eyes when we paint
in the eye details later. - Load matt.psd and paste it into the main docu-
ment. Name the layer matte and move it to the
top of the stack. Make sure visibility is off on
the layer (Figure 8.39).
Figure 8.38 A cavity pass can help to accentuate the fine
details on the surface.